Push is on for more college job data

Officials acknowledge families need more info on placement, pay rates

12:25 AM,
Feb. 2, 2014

Simpson College senior Ryan Chabal, 21, works with Brooke Panzer, a basketball player from Lincoln, Neb. Chabal learned in a freshman class that a physical therapist earns more than an athletic trainer. He chose an athletic training degree because he enjoys working with athletes. 'If I'm happy with what I'm doing, then I don't see any reason to complain about the money.'

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Mackenzie Hawk wanted a degree that would help her find a steady job after she graduated from Iowa State University. She decided on finance.

"My main focus was to find employment out of college," said Hawk, 23, who works at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. "I felt finance was a good fit for my skills, and I was hoping that there would be jobs available."

Hawk picked well. ISU finance majors in 2011-12 had a 91 percent placement rate, meaning they either are working or have returned to school. The job placement rate for other majors is far lower. For instance, 60 percent of University of Iowa geoscience ...